Dear SparkFun Team,
Greetings.
We have received an inquiry regarding the GPS MODULE - GP1818MK (56 Channel).
After inspecting the received product, the customer found that the part marking on the module is “GP1818MK-N” rather than “GP1818MK”. In addition, the cable orientation appears to be different from their existing design, and the module no longer fits the holder they have developed for this application.
Could you please advise whether this change was implemented through a PCN or another product revision notice?
Also, is the originally ordered model GP1818MK still available, or has it been replaced by GP1818MK-N?
We would appreciate any information you can provide regarding the differences between these two versions and whether they are considered form-fit-function compatible.
Thank you for your assistance.
Kind regards,
Takashi
T4941134
I’m checking on this; we’ll likely have an answer Thursday 
It does appear to be a new revision/version that the supplier is now providing…we only have the newer -N type in stock
We’re working to update the photos and docs ASAP…but to answer your questions, it looks like we will only have the new version moving forward. I’ll update this thread once the new datasheet is available on our site
Just based on my guesses: I do believe the 3 wires are VERY likely to be the same (VCC, TX, GND), with the addition of a small backup battery
@TS-Russell
Thank you so much for checking.
Could you provide PCN(Product change notice) letter for this?
Kind regards,
Takashi
They still haven’t sent us anything new :-/
I’d advise that the 3 wires are extremely likely to be the same and that it appears to now have a backup battery (likely for hot-starts)
@TS-Russell
The main issue is that the customer appears to be using this product in an OEM application.
I assume they are incorporating it into their own product, so dimensional changes are a significant concern. Their design likely will not accommodate the new revision because the physical dimensions have changed. Since they are a manufacturing company, they need advance notice of such changes through a PCN.
This is one of the reasons I often advise customers not to use maker- or DIY-oriented products in OEM equipment. Products intended for the maker market may undergo design changes without the level of lifecycle management and change notification that OEM customers typically require.
That said, I also noticed you also make some very capable products that OEM customers find attractive for commercial applications. As a result, many customers end up using them in production equipment and expect the same level of support they would receive from industrial-grade products, including PCNs, reliability data, environmental compliance documentation, and long-term product lifecycle information.
Best regards,
Takashi
That is all entirely spot-on. SparkFun markets itself as a “hobby grade” electronics supplier/maker. That being said they may end up sending something, if/when they do I’ll be sure to update you!
Huzzah!
GP1818MK-N_Datasheets_V1.0.0.pdf (466.8 KB)
They ended up sending a new datasheet after all
